Wild urban plants of the Northeast A field guide

Few field guides focus on plants of the urban environment. This one grew out of Del Tredici's landscape architecture course at Harvard, and offers a perspective countering the traditional view of most urban plants as weedy invasives usually needing elimination or control. Rather, this book argues for a new appreciation of these primarily nonnative species, which thrive in landscapes mostly covered with pavement and buildings. A strength of the book is the 25-page introduction that portrays common urban species as an integral landscape component, making cities more livable. The book is intended for a general audience, and the plant descriptions and terminology appropriately reflect this approach. Information on cultural significance for each species is especially useful. Typically, the volume includes five or six photos for each of the 200+ species covered; these have been selected to demonstrate different aspects of the life cycle and to compare the plant with similar species. Many photos show the plant in its urban landscape. The taxonomy is up to date, and the book is free of proofing errors. This is an excellent guide for the city dweller who looks at plants either casually or intently. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers. D. A. Lovejoy Westfield State College